Well, nothing like about spending 10 weeks away! I haven't been sure what to post or if I had anything post-worthy these days.
Nothing is new on the job field. I've averaged a little more than 1 application a week since August 1, and only 1 interview with no result of that yet. The whole process is getting old and I'm praying that God will reveal something soon! There just aren't any editorial jobs open and few others that I qualify for.
Natalie has moved home since the last time I wrote. Even though we don't have much extra space, it has been good having her back. And it came at the perfect time, just before she left her last job. The office situation there was terrible, so I don't blame her a bit. But she is having as much trouble as I am finding new work. So our unemployment rate at home is 50 percent! Yikes!
I did have a three-week period of a little steady work. The job interview I had in October was for a small publisher that produces children's books and teacher supplies, such as certificates, games, and workbooks. Well, they called and needed some freelance work done. I worked about 15-18 hours a week for those three weeks. The drive into Nashville was bum for only half a day's work, and their hours stink
(8:30-5:30), but it was some cash and I am grateful. Plus, the work was fairly enjoyable. But I wonder how serious they are about hiring someone full time, since they haven't made a decision yet.
I'm still working at church for 2-3 hours a week. Budget trimmings affected the publishing of a newsletter, so the 12-15 hours I used to work have disappeared. Oh well. I still hope that God will give me full time work at church. If I can't be at LifeWay, I'd love to be at church.
Natalie and I went to a job fair last week that my career placement guy told me about. But what a disappointment! We drove the 45 minutes to Smyrna to spend 10 minutes walking around a small ballroom with less than 15 vendors/employers set up. And then the job choices were security guards, insurance sales, and cellphone customer service. We walked the circle, then hit the road again. Our time together was fun, though.
Last week I had the opportunity to be part of a writers conference for Student Ministry at LifeWay. It was strange to be a writer/participant instead of the editor/facilitator. They put me up for 2 nights in the Holiday Inn and bought a few meals, so that was nice. I did get to experience my first visit back inside the LifeWay building for lunch one day. I was a little concerned about it, but it was OK. Several folks seemed glad to see me. And being at the conference with my good friends was great!
So, if I don't have any other major freelance work in the next couple of months, I have my hands full writing youth Bible studies. This is a new challenge and I pray that I won't be a disappointment.
Other than that, nothing much is going on. I still work the church library on Thursday evenings and enjoy that.
Today I pray for another family who lost a LifeWay job and the wife was just diagnosed with breast cancer. A health event isn't fun in itself, much less with an unemployment issue.
I'm so thankful for God's provisions! He is faithful and I trust Him.
Till next time!
